Brits are spending like the recession never ended. But while the purse strings have tightened when it comes to necessities like groceries, products that promise aesthetic perfection are enjoying huge growth. Why do skint 20-somethings feel the need to look good when times are hard?

EOS lip balm has become a cult hit, selling over 1,000 units per week at Selfridges in 2013 and being named the fourth most influential brand in the world for female Gen Yers. But how has a seemingly dull product spawned one of the most coveted and identifiable brands for women around the globe?

Searches for ‘narcissism’ have spiked in recent years, and some speculate that we're in the midst of an epidemic. But while narcissism is often considered a bad thing, does it have to be? Psychologist Dr. Craig Malkin isn’t sure. He sat down with Canvas8 to explain what healthy narcissism looks like.

It doesn’t matter what income you’re on, everyone spends in the struggle for status. From make-up to man-bags, protein shakes to plastic surgery, jewellery to private jets – we all splash cash in the name of vanity. And new research shows that these purchases could be worth as much as $4.5 trillion.